Hundreds apply for HISD Board of Managers

By Laura Onyeneho

A key milestone in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Houston ISD takeover process came to an end. Te agency concluded its application process for the school district’s new board of managers and hundreds of Houstonians have applied to serve.

Tis is the frst step of the process for TEA to replace HISD current superintendent Millard House II and the nine elected school board trustees by June 1, according to the agency.

“I am looking for Houstonians with wisdom and integrity who can be laser-focused on what is best for students,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in an ofcial statement. “It is exciting to see so many Houstonians express a willingness to help move the school system forward in service of students.”

Many have been critical of the agency’s lack of transparency and empathy toward community concerns over the process. Last month, TEA hosted a series of community forums that were highly attended but the presentations were anything but satisfactory.

“I have concerns about the transparency and meaningfulness of this process. I’m very convinced that the commissioner already has his pick when it comes to the appointments of the board of managers,” Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers. “Te people need answers.”

TEA said they’re looking for a wide array of backgrounds, experience and perspectives to help students achieve at high levels.